Spoilers: Once again, no new spoilers.

Disclaimer: I don't own it, but I'd really like to. Do you think George Lucas will be generous?

A/N: I hope you enjoy it, and of course, please let me know what you think!

Slipping Into Darkness

Chapter 13

It was an odd sensation to say the least, but Anakin rejoiced as he felt his body coming alive again. His heart, which had nearly ceased to beat, began pounding furiously, and his lungs screamed for air. He felt his blood coursing once more through his veins and his senses returned.

The first thing he was able to hear was Palpatine's victorious laugh. The Sith Lord continued to inflict his cruel punishment upon the young Jedi, as yet unaware of the change that had just taken place. Anakin forced himself not to react to the torment as he gathered his strength in the Force. He felt the energy field that binds all things join with him, allowing him to forego the debilitating effects of his injuries. Then, he opened his eyes.

Sidious released an inhuman cry, his shock reverberating wildly through the Force. "Impossible!" Sidious hissed. "Only one has achieved power over death…"

"Nothing is lost where the Force dwells," Anakin replied, his words coming before he even realized he had spoken.

That was a lesson he had heard many times as a Jedi, but he had never believed it before. He had viewed it greatly as a platitude, something used to encourage those whose cause was hopeless. But now, he knew it to be true.

Drawing on his new conviction and the Force, Anakin brought up his left hand to block the Sith's lightning. The blue arcs of dark energy curled around his fingers, and as Anakin fell deeper into the Force, he saw those bolts enter him. But he felt no pain now. He absorbed the lighting, much as he had seen Master Yoda do when battling Count Dooku on Geonosis. Anakin absently registered his own surprise, and marveled at this new ability. He had never used the Force in such a way.

Sidious's eyes grew wide, and he intensified his attack. Palpatine was incredibly powerful, and used the Force like a hammer. His dark presence seem to multiply and grow, trying to devour the Light, but Anakin held his ground. With another burst of strength, the young Jedi forced himself to his feet. He was not sure how he was able to stand, for his injuries should have made that impossible, but in a moment he was again at his full height.

Anakin could feel his muscles straining, and his hand shook. As he drew ragged breaths, he realized that he could not stand against this assault for much longer. Even though the Force was Anakin's ally, Sidious was incredibly powerful. The Sith Lord seemed to command the darkness that existed in the hearts of beings throughout the galaxy, and he now brought all of that to bear against Anakin.

But that was not only factor that was weakening the young Jedi. Though it had allowed him to far surpass his physical limitations, the Light with which Anakin now fought also demanded that he use reserves of energy he was not even sure he possessed. His badly injured body was reaching the end of its endurance, and he felt the Darkness beginning to overtake him once more. But he refused to surrender. Anakin had to win to save his children.

His children… Deep within the Force, images flashed through his mind, but they were not of suffering, but rather of joy. He saw Padmé, his beautiful wife, helping their young daughter fix her hair in an elaborate style. All you need now is a dress, little angel. Next, he saw his son, playing with a model podracer. No podracing until you are at least nine, son, Anakin smiled. This was what the future was meant to be. He would not let Palpatine have them.

So with that, Anakin Skywalker called upon the Force as he never had before. He pushed away all of his doubt, regret, and fear, and released his sorrow and anger. He felt the Force answer his call. At once, he was overwhelmed by its breathtaking beauty. He saw the Force itself, its golden light illuminating his surroundings, and knew what he must do.

Anakin closed his eyes and focused on the energy Palpatine was directing towards him. Rather than simply allowing the energy flow through him, he began to gather it, all the while adding his own strength.

Palpatine felt the shift in the Force, but unsure of its meaning, he once more increased his barrage.

"You cannot win," the Sith stated flatly.

But, behind his confident words, Anakin could sense the seeds of doubt. The young Jedi made no response; he simply continued to gather power.

"The Jedi will be destroyed," Palpatine tried again.

Still, Anakin didn't answer. All his focus was deep within himself. He could feel the energy rising, increasing until he was hardly able to contain it.

"You could still join me," Sidious suggested, a small edge of desperation creeping into his voice. "Together, no one would be able to stand against us."

This time, Anakin barely heard the Dark Lord's words. The energy pulsed within him, and suddenly Anakin could see the very border between Light and Dark. He stood on that line, watching as the two sides of the Force battled each other through him. And as he watched, the Light beat the Darkness back.

Anakin could not help but smile as he witnessed the prophecy come to pass. This was the balance it had spoken of. Light was meant to rule over Darkness, just as day ruled over night.

"No!" Sidious cried sensing what had happened. "It cannot be!"

Still the Sith continued his assault, desperation now fueling his actions. He tried to use the Force to throw objects at the young Jedi as he had done earlier, but they bounced harmlessly aside, blocked with a wave of Anakin's hand.

Then Anakin turned and called for his fallen lightsaber, its sapphire blade extending in an instant. Still using his left hand to absorb the lightning, Anakin used his right hand to throw his saber towards the Sith. Sidious tried to stop it, but he found himself suddenly unable to move, and watched helplessly as the Jedi's saber sliced through his wrists. Palpatine released a cry of rage and pain.

As the Sith continued to hiss in agony, Anakin finally released the energy he had gathered. At once, the room exploded in a burst of blinding light, carrying with it the force of a super nova. Sidious was powerless against it. The shock wave tore into him, throwing him back through the open window and out into the Coruscant night. His scream of rage echoed for what seemed an eternity. At last, an eerie blue glow illuminated the air and Anakin felt Palpatine's dark presence vanish from the Force.

The young Jedi felt exhaustion beyond any he had even known, but he managed a small smile. The darkness that had permeated the Force for so long withdrew, like the clouds parting after a storm, and once again the light shown brightly.

Its over, Anakin thought with amazement. It's over, and my family is safe.

With that last comforting thought, Anakin allowed his injuries and weariness to overtake him, and he collapsed into unconsciousness.

TBC

A/N: The next part will be up on Monday.

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